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Driver arrested in crash that killed 18-year-old

Posted at 10:27 PM, Mar 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-24 13:39:56-04

A 19-year-old man faces multiple charges after an 18-year-old woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Greenacres Wednesday evening.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the wreck occurred at 5:08 p.m. at Martin Avenue and 1st Street.

A 2002 Toyota Camry, driven by Hector Calderon, 19, of Greenacres, Fla., was traveling southbound on Martin Avenue and approaching 1st Street.  The second vehicle, a 2010 Honda CRV, was traveling westbound on 1st Street approaching Martin Avenue.

The Honda CRV had the right of way through the intersection while the Camry approached a stop sign.

As the Honda CRV came through the intersection, the Camry ran the stop sign, hitting the CRV on the passenger side doors.

The CRV was rotated in the southwest direction and overturned.

A passenger in the CRV, Marielena Plaza, 18, was ejected from the vehicle and landed near a house. Plaza was taken by helicopter to St. Mary's Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

After the wreck, Calderon fled the scene on foot but was arrested behind the Labrazza Restaurant located at 5283 Lake Worth Rd. Witnesses were able to identify Calderon as the driver of the vehicle.

PBSO said Calderon showed signs of impairment.  DUI manslaughter charges are pending a blood test.

Calderon is accused of leaving the scene of a crash causing death and not having a valid driver's license in a crash involving death.

The Camry that Calderon was driving was reported stolen earlier Wednesday.  A further charge of grand theft auto is also pending.